Travel is good for business, survey shows

July 18, 2011

Business travel can stimulate a company's performance and economic growth, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. The council surveyed business travelers from the U.K., Germany, the U.S., Brazil and China and found that, in the last ten years, roughly one third of global trade growth was due to business travel.

"Nine out of 10 Chinese executives found face-to-face business meetings were essential to their organizations' success and improved their chance of increasing sales," said Felicia Mariani, the managing director of ATEC.

Business travel can also contribute to the creation of new jobs and boosted income.

While travel can have a positive effect on business, it can negatively impact the people who spend a good portion of their work time in transit. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers states that spending a lot of time on the road can cause emotional strain, which could, in turn, impact an individual's home life. Long-distance calling cards can help travelers stay in touch with their families, which may keep them in higher spirits while they are away from home.